On Tap in the Capital, March 26

SENATE IN SESSION: The Senate will meet in a morning session and could take up a wide range of issues, including a proposal (SB 542), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that would seek to boost a private flood-insurance market in Florida. It also could consider issues such as proposal (SB 670), filed by Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, that would add restrictions on lawsuits against nursing homes. (9 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

HOUSE IN SESSION: The House will meet in a morning session and consider about 20 issues, including a proposal (HB 287) that would change what is known as the "certificate of need" process for new nursing-home beds and a measure (HB 9) that calls for legislative sessions to start in January during even-numbered years. (9 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

HOUSE BUDGET DEBATED: The House Appropriations Committee will take up the House?s initial budget proposal for the 2014-15 fiscal year and a series of budget-related bills. (1 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE TAX PACKAGE DISCUSSED: The House Finance and Tax Subcommittee is expected to consider a package of proposed tax cuts, including a series of sales-tax holidays. (1 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCHOOL MATERIALS AT ISSUE: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will take up a proposal (SB 864), filed by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, that would shift responsibility for selecting instructional materials from the state to local school boards. (1:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL LOOKS AT PHARMACY TECHS: The Senate Rules Committee will consider a wide range of bills, including a proposal (SB 278), filed by Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, that would increase the number of pharmacy technicians that pharmacists are allowed to supervise. (4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

CANVASSING COMMISSION TO MEET: The Elections Canvassing Commission will meet to certify the results of two elections held March 11. Republican David Jolly won a special general election in Congressional District 13, while former state Rep. Eric Eisnaugle won a special Republican primary election in state House District 44. (9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

SUPREME COURT CONSIDERS SEARCH CASE: The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that focuses on a police officer's search of a juvenile that led to weapons charges. The officer stopped the juvenile based on information from an unidentified man who said he had been threatened with a gun. The juvenile argues that the stop was unconstitutional because it stemmed only from a physical description provided by the unidentified man. (10 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

SHELDON TO RAISE MONEY FOR AG RACE: Democratic attorney-general candidate George Sheldon is expected to take part in a fund-raising event in Tampa. (5:30 p.m., 1523 East Seventh Ave., Tampa.)

RED MASS TO BE HELD: Catholic bishops and state leaders will attend the annual Red Mass, which will include prayers for people in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. (6 p.m., Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 900 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee.)

PIPELINE DISCUSSED IN MARION COUNTY: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will hold a meeting in Marion County to gather information about a plan by Sabal Trail Transmission to build a 474-mile natural gas pipeline from Alabama to Central Florida. (6 p.m., Rainbow Springs Country Club, 19330 Southwest 82nd Place Road, Dunnellon.)

Last modified: March 26, 2014
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